Retrieval practice is a very strong effect for being able to retrieve specific facts. It is an important effect that has its place. However, it is not a universal panacea. It only helps you recall the specific facts you practice recalling. It does not help other related facts, and it does not help with understanding what you have memorised. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211368114000588 is one of the useful papers exploring the limits of the testing effect. Worth a read.
Actually, does anyone know a good recent review article that summarises what has been found about the limits of the testing effect?
I hope I am not being too negative. Although there are limits to what the effect can be used for, it is a great way to learn things. I use it when learning music for choir, and it's why I do Go problems every day.
Actually, does anyone know a good recent review article that summarises what has been found about the limits of the testing effect?
I hope I am not being too negative. Although there are limits to what the effect can be used for, it is a great way to learn things. I use it when learning music for choir, and it's why I do Go problems every day.